The previous chapters have outlined the paradigm of growth-dependent planning, indicated how it has become embedded in the British planning system, explored the underlying economic model and laid out a critique in terms of both the underpinning economic assumptions and the social and environmental impact of pursuing such an approach. This and the following chapters set out a response to this analysis, suggesting an alternative approach that could sit alongside growth-dependent planning within a re-balanced planning system.

The argument is that in some local contexts growth-dependent planning may still be the most appropriate paradigm to adopt if local economic conditions allow and if planning is pursued pro-actively through effective regulation and negotiation and with the support of local communities. But in many other situations something else is needed. If this is not recognised, then considerable social and environmental harm can result from poorly regulated market-led development or, as it often the case, local planning will find itself impotent in the face of a lack of market demand for development.

This chapter begins by reviewing the arguments made by economists for adopting a different benchmark for social progress to economic growth. It discusses the importance of tackling inequalities in the built environment, and incorporates these concerns within an environmental sustainability agenda using the concept of just sustainability. It then goes on to outline an agenda for planning practice that will frame the discussion of different approaches in the following three chapters. This is all brought together into a proposal for reform of the planning system in the final chapter of the book.

From growth to well-being

There is now a body of work that recognises that there are problems with the pursuit of economic growth as the main societal goal and indeed with GDP as the main measure of social and political success. Among the key proponents of this different way of thinking are Tim Jackson and Richard Layard.

Jackson's thesis, as set out in Prosperity without growth, develops from an analysis of the ecological limits placed on the scale of economic activity by the natural world within which we live, with a particular emphasis on resource scarcity and climate change, but also recognition of deforestation, biodiversity loss, soil degradation, collapse of fish stocks, water scarcity, pollution and contamination.